A Near Miss for Bowden Francis in Historic Near-No-Hitter Against Mets
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis saw his no-hit bid slip away for the second time in his last four starts. Francis, who had been dealing masterfully against the New York Mets, allowed a leadoff home run in the ninth inning to shortstop Francisco Lindor, dashing his hopes of entering the record books.
Prior to Lindor's homer, Francis had worked eight hitless innings, showcasing precise command and a composed demeanor on the mound. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, especially in the eighth inning where he retired the side on just six pitches, a testament to his efficiency and control.
The magnitude of Francis's near-milestone becomes even more significant when considering the historical context. The last no-hitter for the Blue Jays was achieved by Dave Stieb on September 2, 1990—a feat that has remained unmatched for over three decades. For Francis to come so close twice in under a month underscores not only his talent but also the rarity of baseball's ultimate pitching achievement.
Despite Francis's efforts, the Mets turned the tables and went on to secure a 6-2 victory. The win was crucial for the Mets, helping them maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot. The victory also marked the largest margin of victory by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the Chicago White Sox against the New York Yankees in 1990.
Francis's heartbreak in the ninth inning is reminiscent of his near-miss just eighteen days earlier when Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels homered to break up another no-hit bid. In four of his last six starts, Francis has allowed zero or just one hit, with each outing lasting at least seven innings. This level of consistency is rare and positions Francis as a standout performer in the 2024 MLB season.
Over his last 43 innings pitched, Francis has conceded just 12 hits, further solidifying his reputation as a dominant force on the mound. Remarkably, his eight innings against the Mets featured only one strikeout, indicating he was able to stymie the Mets' lineup through groundouts and flyouts, rather than relying on overpowering stuff.
Francis's near no-hitter could have been the fifth of the 2024 MLB season, adding to what has already been a remarkable year for pitchers. Just a week before Francis's close call, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, illustrating the challenging offensive environments teams are facing this season.
As the Blue Jays look forward, Bowden Francis's performances remain a significant storyline. His consistency and near-breakthroughs generate a palpable buzz among fans and analysts alike. Pitchers who flirt with no-hitters capture the imagination, and Francis’s repeated close calls suggest that it might only be a matter of time before he completes the feat.
For the Blue Jays and their supporters, the anticipation of witnessing another no-hitter continues to build. With Francis being spotlighted as a notable pitcher to watch in the coming games, the excitement surrounding his starts is likely to increase. Whether it's through his pinpoint control or resilient mindset, Bowden Francis has firmly established himself as a key player in the Blue Jays' rotation and a pitcher capable of making history.